Health Insurance 2026: Contributions Continue to Rise
The average additional contribution rises to up to 2.9%. The income threshold and private health insurance premiums are also increasing significantly. Learn how you can still save money.
Key Points at a Glance:
- - Additional contribution rises to an average of 2.9% (previously 2.5%)
- - Income threshold (BBG): 69,750 euros/year (5,812.50 euros/month)
- - JAEG: 77,400 euros/year (PKV threshold)
- - 60% of PKV members receive premium increases
- - Use your special cancellation right when premiums increase
2026 brings even higher costs for health insurance policyholders: The average additional contribution for statutory health insurance (GKV) rises to up to 2.9% - another increase following the already significant rise in 2025. At the same time, the income thresholds are increasing substantially. PKV policyholders are also affected: 60% can expect premium increases.
2026 Contribution Rates Comparison
| Contribution | 2025 | 2026 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Contribution Rate | 14.6% | 14.6% | unchanged |
| Additional Contribution (Average) | 2.5% | 2.9% | +0.4% |
| BBG (per year) | 66,150 euros | 69,750 euros | +3,600 euros |
| BBG (per month) | 5,512.50 euros | 5,812.50 euros | +300 euros |
| JAEG (PKV Threshold) | 73,800 euros | 77,400 euros | +3,600 euros |
| Childless (incl. surcharge) | 4.0% | 4.2% | +0.2% |
General Contribution Rate
- 14.6% - remains unchanged
- 7.3% - Employee share
- 7.3% - Employer share
Additional Contribution 2026
- Up to 2.9% - Average 2026
- Previously: 2.5% in 2025
- +0.4% - The increase
Income Thresholds 2026
Contribution Assessment Ceiling (BBG):
- - 69,750 euros per year (previously: 66,150 euros)
- - 5,812.50 euros per month
- - Contributions are calculated up to this amount
Annual Income Threshold (JAEG):
- - 77,400 euros per year (previously: 73,800 euros)
- - 6,450 euros per month
- - Above this, switching to PKV is possible
What Does This Mean for Your Wallet?
Example Calculations for Childless Individuals 2026 (incl. 0.6% surcharge):
Average Earner
Long-term care insurance 4.2%
approx. 182 euros
per month
At the BBG (5,812.50 euros)
Maximum contribution burden
approx. 244 euros
per month
Additional Burden Due to Higher BBG:
Those earning at the income threshold will pay more contributions solely due to the 300 euro monthly increase in the BBG - in addition to the higher additional contribution.
Annual additional costs due to BBG increase:
up to 300 euros+
Private Health Insurance (PKV): 60% Face Increases
PKV Members Are Affected:
60%
of PKV members
receive premium increases
40%
of members
remain stable
Use Your Special Cancellation Right with PKV
When PKV premiums increase, you have a special cancellation right. You can switch to a cheaper plan with the same or another provider within 2 months of receiving the notification.
- - Cancellation deadline: 2 months after receiving the notification
- - Switching to the same plan with another provider is possible
- - Check plan changes with the same insurer (often cheaper)
- - Professional advice recommended
Special Cancellation Right: How to Switch Now
Check Premium Increase
- - Review notification from your health insurance/PKV
- - Compare new additional contribution/premium
- - Note the effective date of the increase
Exercise Your Special Cancellation Right
- - GKV: Until the end of the month in which the increase takes effect
- - PKV: 2 months after receiving the increase notification
- - Written cancellation required
Choose New Insurance
- - Use online comparison tools
- - Check benefits and contributions
- - With GKV: New insurer often handles the cancellation
Important Deadlines 2026:
- - Increase effective 01/01/2026: Cancellation possible until 31/01/2026 (GKV)
- - PKV increase: 2 months from receipt of notification
- - Minimum GKV commitment: 12 months after last switch (waived with increase)
How to Save Despite Increases
Strategies for GKV Policyholders
Consider Switching Insurers:
- - Choose insurer with lowest additional contribution
- - Differences of up to 1.5% in additional contribution possible
- - Same basic benefits with all GKV insurers
Consider Additional Benefits:
- - Professional dental cleaning included?
- - Osteopathy subsidies
- - Bonus programs and premium payments
Options for PKV Policyholders
Internal Plan Switch:
- - Choose cheaper plan with the same provider
- - Age reserves remain preserved
- - Often better conditions than switching providers
Increase Deductible:
- - Higher deductible lowers premium
- - Often makes sense for healthy individuals
- - Use premium refunds
Free comparison - All providers - No obligation
Why Do Contributions Continue to Rise?
Main Reasons for 2026 Contribution Increases:
More elderly people require more medical care
New innovative therapies and medications are more expensive
Higher wages in healthcare and increased operating costs
Restructuring of the hospital system causes additional costs
Conclusion: Take Action Now and Save
The 2026 contribution increases affect both GKV and PKV policyholders. With an additional contribution of up to 2.9% and higher income thresholds, costs are rising significantly for many. Use your special cancellation right when premiums increase and compare the options available.
Take Action Now:
- - Review your current increase notification
- - Exercise your special cancellation right
- - Compare health insurers/PKV online
- - Switch to a cheaper option
Important 2026 Thresholds:
- - BBG: 69,750 euros/year
- - JAEG (PKV threshold): 77,400 euros/year
- - Childless: 4.2% long-term care insurance
- - Additional contribution: up to 2.9%
Start Your Insurance Comparison 2026
Compare GKV and PKV and find the best option for your situation. Free and without obligation.